Artificial Intelligence Helpers: A Look at Digital Companions
In 2025, the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) is undergoing a significant transformation with the emergence of sophisticated AI assistants. These advanced systems, developed by major technology companies, aim to mediate the entire digital experience of users, automating routine tasks and enhancing personalised interactions [1][3][4].
The benefits of AI assistants are manifold. They promise increased productivity and efficiency by automating tasks such as customer support, supply chain management, and calendar/logistics management [1][2][3][4]. Their 24/7 availability and consistency make them ideal for continuous operations, improving task governance in fast-paced environments [1][4]. Furthermore, AI assistants with long-term memory adapt to individual preferences over time, offering a more personalised user experience in areas like virtual therapy, executive support, and learning [3].
However, the use of AI assistants also raises important concerns. There are fears about job displacement and workforce impact, as AI takes over routine and even complex tasks [2]. The loss of human touch is another concern, with over-reliance on AI potentially degrading interpersonal connections and empathy in many domains [2]. Ethical, privacy, and bias issues are also paramount, requiring careful design and ongoing human control to prevent biased outcomes, protect user data privacy, and adhere to ethical standards [2][3].
The impact of AI assistants is broad and growing, particularly in sectors like business and industry. AI agents embedded in enterprise systems drive operational efficiency and innovation, shifting human roles towards oversight and strategy [1][2][3]. In human-to-human relationships, AI assistants enhance communication and personalisation, but they can also mediate or replace some interpersonal interactions, potentially reducing empathy and emotional nuance [2][3].
One notable example of the challenges posed by AI assistants is the temporary ban of AI assistant Replika by the Italian data protection authority due to risks to minors and vulnerable individuals, and GDPR violations [5]. This underscores the need for rigorous testing to determine whether these systems work as intended in sensitive contexts, and whether new legal protections or mandatory design requirements will be needed.
Moreover, the personalised experience created by AI assistants may make it harder for people to stop using or switch their AI assistant, as it can create an emotional or material dependence. The personal information that an AI assistant may gather about a user could be used to (hyper)nudge them towards certain consumer behaviours that are deceptive, may not be in their interests, or even harmful to their wellbeing [6].
As the development of advanced AI assistants is seen as a way for major technology companies to monetize their investment in foundation models, it is essential to ensure that these systems are designed and governed responsibly to maximise their advantages and mitigate risks. The future of AI assistants promises a new era of personalised collaboration, but it is crucial to navigate this evolution thoughtfully and ethically.
Artificial intelligence (AI) assistants, with their long-term memory and ability to adapt to individual preferences, are expanding their reach into various domains, such as virtual therapy and learning, offering a highly personalized user experience. However, the widespread use of these AI systems also raises concerns, such as job displacement and the potential degradation of interpersonal connections, necessitating careful design and ongoing human control to balance their benefits and mitigate risks.
